After launching Echo Flex, Amazon introduces Echo Auto in India. The Echo Auto connects to Alexa app on your smartphone and plays through your car’s speakers. You can connect Echo Auto to your car via the included 3.5mm aux cable or using your phone’s Bluetooth. Once paired you can ask Alexa to play music, get directions, make calls and send messages to phone contacts, set reminders, listen to audiobooks, get the latest sports or news updates, etc.
The Echo Auto connects to the phone and defaults to its mobile network for calls and text messages to contacts saved in the phone’s address book. It uses your existing mobile data plan to stream music, make a call or send messages to your phone contacts. Like all Echo devices, you can view, hear and delete the voice history using the Alexa app any time. Echo Auto is powered by the MediaTek CPU and uses your car’s 12V charging socket or USB port. Check out the key features of Echo Auto below.
Amazon Echo Auto Features
- Play music, Ask questions, Add items to the To-Do list, etc.
- Get Cricket scores, Questions about history, News updates from NDTV, Aajtak or Bollywood Hungama News
- Far-field technology with eight-microphone array – Talk to Alexa even when the music or A/C is ON
- Stream ad-free music from Amazon Prime or access music from 3rd party providers such as Apple Music, JioSaavn, Gaana or Hungama Music
- Make hands-free calls to contacts saved on the smartphone
- Send text messages (Android only)
- Get directions – Uses the default navigation app on the smartphone and its data plan to provide directions
- A dedicated microphone on/off button – Electronically disconnects the microphones
- RGB light bar (Front)
The Echo Auto comes in Black color and priced at ₹4,999. It will be available to pre-order on Amazon.in and also through select retail outlets across India starting 7th January 2019. Shipping begins on 15th January. Echo Auto is compatible with smartphones running on Android 6.0 or up and iOS 12 or greater except these smartphones.
Amazon Echo Auto Specifications
- Connectivity – Bluetooth, AUX
- Dimensions – 85 x 47 x 13.28
- Compatibility – Android 6.0 and iOS 12 or up
- Mediatek MT7697 CPU, Intel Dual DSP with Inference Engine
- Eight Microphone Array
- Supports auxiliary audio output.
- Weight – 45 g
- Warranty – 1-year
- In the Box – Echo Auto, In-Car Power Adapter, Micro-USB Cable, 3.5mm AUX Cable, Manual
Commenting on the launch Parag Gupta, Head of Amazon Devices, India said, “Customers in India tell us they want to take Alexa with them everywhere they go, and we’re delighted to offer them an easy way to add Alexa to the car they already own. Enjoy ad-free music with no breaks or RJ talks, listen to that unfinished audiobook on-the-go, or make calls without the distraction of looking at your smartphone by using simple voice commands. We cannot wait to see how customers in India take Alexa on the road.”